A new graphic novel documenting the history of FC Nantes hit bookstores on November 12, 2026, published by Éditions Petit à Petit.
The 126-page book explores the iconic players and coaches who shaped the club’s reputation, sport-a-lire.fr reported.
Following a previous club history book released two years prior, this volume focuses specifically on sixteen legendary figures. The selection was based on a 2024 internet poll where supporters voted for the most representative personalities in the club’s history, figures that now appear as frescoes on the Stade de la Beaujoire. Bruno Bazile handled the artwork, Yves Magne managed colorization, and Richard Coudrais wrote the script.
The book profiles three key managers: José Arribas, Jean-Claude Suaudeau, and Raynald Denoueix. These coaches are recognized as the architects and heirs of the “Jeu à la nantaise” style of play, according to sport-a-lire.fr.
Player profiles span multiple positions on the pitch, starting with goalkeepers Jean-Paul Bertrand-Demanes and Michaël Landreau. Defensive and midfield stalwarts featured in the book include Maxime Bossis, Henri Michel, Didier Deschamps, Marcel Desailly, and Christian Karembeu.
Playmakers Japhet N’Doram and Reynald Pedros represent the midfielding artists in the book. The attacking line features Vahid Halilhodžić, Loïc Amisse, Patrice Loko, and the late Emiliano Sala.
The club’s original selection process faced criticism from supporters who noted notable absences, sport-a-lire.fr reported. Fans questioned the exclusion of historical figures such as Philippe Gondet, Jacky Simon, Bernard Blanchet, Robert Budzynski, Antoine Raab, and Jan van Geen.
Priced at 19,90€, the hardcover book measures 200x270mm under the ISBN 9782380463361. It is available in bookstores and directly through the Éditions Petit à Petit website.
bdfugue.com highlights that the publication captures how football functions as more than just a sport in the region. À Nantes, le football est bien plus qu’un sport: c’est une histoire de passion, de transmission et de fierté collective,
the outlet noted regarding the local cultural significance of the club.
Worth a look